How to plan a budget-friendly backpacking adventure through East Africa – of African savannahs and proud peaks

East Africa is made up of as many as 13 countries and to the avid backpacker out there, this portion of the African continent will serve up more than its fair share of experiences and escapes that will have you in complete awe from start to end. Be it moving across the grasslands of Kenya’s Amboseli National Park to attempting to climb the tallest mountain in Africa – Mount Kilimanjaro found in Tanzania, such adventures can easily be had if you plan well and remain determined. 

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Know what you want from your holiday

The fundamental principle that the backpacker intending on covering East Africa must not compromise on is that he or she must have a fair understanding of the relevant countries and their corresponding offerings. Therefore, spend time researching and reading up online on the types of experiences that could be had coupled by the forms of accommodation and transportation facilities that one might avail of. Talking to like-minded travellers who have been to East Africa is one way of educating yourself on the basic requirements. Failing which, a travel blog online or a book on travelling through Africa can be resorted to. 

Make sure that you time your visit

Although quite in contrast to many other regions of the world, the winter period which commences from mid-June and extends right through to October is the most favourable time to be packing your bags to fly out to East Africa. Particularly, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda which offer a good mix of outdoor adventuring will showcase bright and sunny weather, dry nature reserves and wonderful wildlife to come into contact with.

How to travel through East Africa?

While bumpy roads and cramped up space will not appeal to a majority of travellers, such conditions will be music to the ears of keen backpackers, passionately fond of roughing it out and still finding a reason to smile and giggle. Average journeys will be long but not difficult to contend with but with a will to succeed, you will be well on your way towards creating memories that will last a lifetime. As a backpacker, you can rent out a vehicle and choose to move at your own time and pace but understand that the self-drive option can be quite the costly affair. On the flip side, the budget-savvy globetrotter will encounter considerable value in boarding any local bus and while the speed of travel will be hair-raising to say the least, you will not face the prospect of a dwindling travel fund. Also, consider the possibility of an overland tour that will have you well placed to delight in a safe and comfortable ride along with the opportunity to meet and mingle with fellow backpackers and travel enthusiasts.

Cover the primary destinations 

Start off with an excursion to southern Kenya and specifically, Amboseli National Park. Home to large herds of elephants, this fascinating reserve is also a refuge for cheetahs, giraffes and numerous species of birds which make it an excellent base to explore the diversity of African wildlife parks. Move to southwestern Kenya and in the direction of Maasai Mara National Reserve which is part of the East Africa tour packages that can be enjoyed through SkySafari. Head out across grassy plains and past rolling hills as you search the savannahs ahead that will bring you to a treasure-trove of wildlife in the likes of lions, hippos and zebras. Thereafter, schedule a trip to Uganda to witness mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Facilities such as Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park will be your ‘go to’ destinations in this regard with the former boasting one half of the world’s mountain gorilla population. Conclude your travels in beautiful Tanzania which has unique landmarks that will easily have you falling in love with Africa’s astounding outdoors. Head for the Ngorongoro Centre to spot various wildlife, pause by Lake Magadi to catch a glimpse of flamingos before ending on a high with a climbing expedition that will see you summiting the tallest mountain in Africa – Mount Kilimanjaro.